Sunday, March 25, 2012

Fragrance minis


           As a sample collector, it's simply inevitable that I end up  with a large number of fragrance sleeves and vials. However, the number of scents that make it into my rotation are quite limited. As you can imagine samples come from all genres and I, like most, fall into a certain niche. In general, I'm a 'pink' scent person. As a cheerful chipmunk, I can take maximum doses of bright and optimistic florals with citrus. Hints of musk, jasmine, vanilla, and sandalwood appeal to me. More relaxed citrus based scents are ok. I generally dislike oriental, spicy, powdery, or opulent scents. Two sample vials I remember completely using up were DKNY Fresh Blossom and Kate Spade Twirl. Today' I'm sharing the four sample scents that successfully made it into my rotation.

1. Dolce + Gabbana Light Blue - I'm sure I've mentioned this on the blog and twitter before. Out of the four shown here, Light Blue has the best chance running dry due to use! It's not my typical kind of scent, however it's perfect for winding down at home after a long day.  I wouldn't wear this during daytime; it's too relaxing for me. Light Blue's top notes include Sicilian Citron and apple; the crisp scents add the perfect dash of energy to an otherwise warm cedar/amber/musk base. I might buy a rollerball size one day.

2. Tocca Graciella - Graciella is a medium weight floral musk with definite water tones. The florals include ylang ylang and rose de mai. For some reason, I was expecting Toccas to be lighter floral scents. The inclusion of apricot and asian pear results in a mellow fruity tone that I really enjoy. I think the apricot and pear really add a pleasant and unexpected dimension to the scent. However, after the initial burst, it becomes harder to find these elements, and I am left with a more watery and floral musk dry down. I'm really not a water scent type of person, so though I am intrigued, I would not purchase this. I'm pleased with the overall construction the scent, which makes me want to explore other Tocca fragrances (perhaps Cleopatra or Bianca).


3. Miss Dior Eau de Parfum - Miss Dior seems like a scent worn by a young chic sophisticate. It's a weighty floral (jasmine) with citrus and patchouli. The patchouli isn't really noticeable to me, which I like. The scent is a bit sweet. The scent is a bit heavy for me, but I'll try to finish it anyway.

4. Givenchy Play for Her - From the its namesake 'Play' I was expecting a playful energetic fragrance. However, Givenchy Play is a more relaxed feminine scent that isn't overly opulent or complex. It seems like a fairly mild mixture of woody, citrus, and floral scents. This seems like a good scent for a down-to-earth girl who doesn't want to be overwhelmed by flowers. Overall, I think this is a nice scent, but it's a bit too relaxed for my personality. I need something a little more high strung!

         Thanks for reading this episode of fragrance minis! Now that it's warmer, I've rekindled my interest in fragrances and will try my hand at more fragrance writing. What samples or scents have appealed to you lately?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. Sporadic internet service and a tighter schedule have made me a bit slower in replying to comments; however I do plan on getting to them and genuinely appreciate everyone who has taken the time to leave a note!  Hearing from friends, both old and new, always lifts my spirits, especially during busy times :)

13 comments:

  1. You know, I don't think I've ever tried D&G Light Blue, but I think I might like it! I think I will get a sample and try it out! Love how you described them Dovey-I am horrible at scent description.

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    1. Hi Tracy! I think you should! I didn't think much of it at first, but then Light blue really grew on me :)

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  2. I have accumulated so many fragrance samples since the beginning of this school year! I liked reading this post about yours... it's fun to read about fragrances from other people! :)

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    1. Thanks Amy! I have so many to get through too. I'd love to see thoughts on your collection too!

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  4. Did you get a chance to smell Bottega Veneta yet? I have a feeling you may like that one. I was pleasantly surprised by that one!

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    1. Hi Lexi, not yet, but I haven't forgotten! I think I need to write it down so I make sure that I do. The anticipation is building!

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  5. I really like the sound of the D&G Light Blue! The only samples I've received recently which really appealed to me are, Jimmy Choo and Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb. Both are really lovely scents.

    Great post, and as Tracy said, great fragrance descriptions too! :)

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    1. Hi Nat, Thank you! Flowerbomb is wonderful--- I've only tried it once or twice though. I think spicebomb (for men) appeals to me too (not for me... for men :)

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  6. D&G Light Blue...I can't remember how I felt about it when I tested it in store, but you always make it sound really lovely. I do like Tocca Graciella and want to pick up a full bottle someday. I went through a little sample vial of Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise, and I have a little vial of Chloe too. However, I have way too much perfume X_X

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    1. Hi Larie, I thought you would like Graciella! The fruity notes are wonderful! I haven't tried Vanilla and Anise; it sounds spicy though! I have a teeny Chloe tester on my counter and it's been around for a while. I guess haven't found myself in the powdery/girly mood!

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  7. i didn't know you collect samples! maybe i should send some to you. ;)
    i more in to small sized full bottles myself.
    tocca has some gorgeous scents. i'd love to try the "Cleopatra" i love white florals.;)

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    1. Hi Lena, haha, well I suppose I'm not collecting on purpose; it just seems to happen :P I tried to find cleopatra this weekend at Sephora, but somehow it was one of the only toccas that was missing! I won't give up though :P

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